December 2017
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
December is often a time for reflection and looking back over the past several months I’m excited about all the accomplishments and looking forward to the new challenges. Since our AGM in April, our association has been active on so many fronts always pushing to ensure Interior Design in Alberta is moving forward. For me some of the highlights include:

  • Membership growth in all categories
  • Restructuring of council committees to better suit our by-laws and allow for more volunteers to contribute
  • The inaugural MASI design awards held in October, a collaboration with our sister organizations in Manitoba and Saskatchewan 
  • Two well-attended NCIDQ exam information sessions (Edmonton & Calgary)
  • Another successful Hard Hat Party in Edmonton
  • Marketing committee direction
  • Alternative pathway pilot program
  • Ongoing meetings with the Alberta government and AAA regarding the improved regulation of interior design 

The landscape of the interior design industry in Calgary changed significantly when longtime member Sharon Martens merged her firm with Kasian and Pat Evans entered a new chapter of her career and closed Sizeland Evans. I think it’s fair to say there are very few interior designers in Calgary (including myself) who haven’t worked at one or both of those firms over their career. Their vision, leadership and influence has had a signifiant impact on design in Alberta the IDA wishes them both well. A special event was held in November to honour Pat Evans and a new scholarship at Mount Royal has been set up in her name, ensuring the legacy of her work continues for new generations of interior designers.  

As 2017 comes to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season filled with family, friends and good cheer. All the best, and I look forward to everything that 2018 has to offer.  

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Cory Riley
IDA President
Spreading Holiday Cheer
& Going onto a New Year!
Our offices will be closed for the holidays from December 22nd and will be re-opening on January 3rd at 8:30 AM.
 
Warm wishes from our office to yours!
UPCOMING EVENTS
PRESIDENT'S WEBINAR: THE VALUE OF IDC MEMBERSHIP
DECEMBER 20, 2017 | 12 - 1 PM ET
IDC’s President, Jason Kasper will host a webinar to discuss the recent announcement addressing changes in IDC membership as well as how this change will be reflected in 2018 renewal invoices which will be issued from the nine Canadian provincial associations over the coming weeks.
AWMAC NORTHERN ALBERTA CHAPTER:
AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2018
The AWMAC Northern Alberta Chapter continues to honour those involved in the design, manufacturing, and supply of architectural woodwork through their annual AWMAC Awards of Excellence. They have extended their invitation for IDA Members to enter our outstanding millwork designs! December 31, 2017 is your submission deadline to enter for 2018. (Enter projects with a substantial completion date between November 01, 2016 to October 31, 2017.)
INDIGENOUS DESIGN THINKING SYMPOSIUM
JANUARY 25, 2018 | 1 PM - 7 PM
The symposium offers two perspectives: pathways for Indigenous students into post-secondary design education and Indigenous philosophies, and approaches to the planning of spaces and design of built form.

8 architects and designers renowned for their involvement on First Nations projects across Canada will be speaking at the event.

Register for free!
MEMBER FAQ
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
2018 IDA membership renewals have been mailed out this week, make sure to check your mail regularly for yours!

2018 Applications are also available on our website for non-members.

*Please ensure that if your insurance is not with Prolink, that you send a copy of your current insurance policy or a letter from your company stating that you're adequately covered.

Renewals are due back by January 31, 2018.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
Natalie Ann Lima - Provisional
Sydney Donnelly - Provisional
Susan Han - Provisional
Lisa Jeans - Student
NCIDQ EXAM UPDATE
APPLICATION REVIEW
NOVEMBER 15 - JANUARY 15
The CIDQ Annual Conference was held this past month in Alexandria, Virginia. This is an opportunity for each member board, including IDA, to share information about our jurisdictions, participate in round-table discussions, hear from CIDQ about the exam and the organization, upcoming changes and initiatives, and hear from other professional associations that attend. ASID, CIDA, IDC, IDCEC, IDEC, and IIDA all gave reports on where they are at, new offerings, and new opportunities. There was a stronger legislative focus this year with the topics brought up and the speakers brought in because of ongoing efforts and battles among many of the States and also the Provinces without Practice Acts. 

The Canadian delegation voice is strong and there was a unified front requesting additional services and value from CIDQ, such as joint renewals and Canadian pricing. We will continue to request these and other items that will bring value to our members and the profession here in Canada.
Other items to note:

31 061 certificate holders to date, not including this past Fall’s examinees. 
Overall there is an increase in test takers:
15% IDFX
19% IDPX
16% PRAC 2.0

Results of the exam are sent out 6 to 8 weeks after being administered and CIDQ is working towards shortening this timeframe. Since it was the first administration of the PRAC 2.0, there will be an internal audit done by Prometric and NCIDQ certified volunteers. It is a standard process and this will allow more expediency in the future. 

The exam was also administered as a trial in the Middle East this Fall! 

In order to provide more practice PRAC 2.0s, CIDQ will be creating more questions for their databank. If you are interested in volunteering, you can learn how to become a volunteer here.

There is still time to apply for the Spring 2018 exam! Get your applications in before January 15th.
"IDA would like to congratulate Carrie Rogerson on being our latest member to receive her NCIDQ certificate. Well done, Carrie!"
JOB BOARD UPDATE
Volunteer
  Contact the IDA office to learn more about volunteer opportunities for members.
Become 'LinkedIn' with the IDA
Connect with the IDA on LinkedIn to receive great information about upcoming events, interesting articles and information on the interior design industry.  

Click here  to join the Interior Designers of Alberta LinkedIn Private Group.
IDA is a Proud Member of the Interior Designers of Canada (IDC)